Senior Interconnection Engineer – BESS Projects

Mulilo; Cape Town; On-site; Full time

Job description

About this role

As Senior Engineer: Interconnection, you will play a key role in Mulilo’s engineering team, focusing on interconnection infrastructure and project implementation for renewable energy plants—particularly in the BESS Engineering project team. You will drive the design, engineering, and construction of interconnection works, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality and safety standards. This role involves both office‑based and site‑based activities, supporting projects throughout the full lifecycle: development, bidding, financial close, construction, commissioning, and operation.

Reporting To: Director: BESS Engineering

Duties and responsibilities

Interconnection Engineering

• Lead all technical aspects of interconnection infrastructure (e.g., utility substations, transmission lines) from early‑stage development through commercial operation.
• Manage external engineering firms and subcontractors, ensuring on‑time and on‑budget delivery.
• Implement technical due diligence, fatal flaw analysis, and risk assessments, especially at feasibility stages.
• Provide technical input to the development of project budgets, ensuring cost‑effectiveness and optimal resource allocation.

Project Management

• Oversee interconnection activities across multiple projects concurrently, balancing time and budgetary constraints.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (e.g., Procurement, Construction, Operations) to align project goals and technical requirements.
• Manage relationships with utilities and other external stakeholders, driving compliance with statutory obligations, codes, and standards.

Technical Documentation & Standards

• Develop internal tools, methodologies, templates, and best practices for interconnection work.
• Support the development of internal tools, methodologies, and specifications to ensure optimal project designs, considering Levelised Cost of Energy (LCoE), constructability, efficiency, and overall system performance.
• Standardise engineering policies, documentation, and procedures across projects for continuous improvement.
• Review and contribute to technical documentation such as EPC contracts, performance requirements, operating procedures, and schematics.
• Participate in internal and external design review meetings, verifying compliance with internal and external design and quality requirements, and contractual obligations.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Interface with equipment suppliers, BoP (Balance of Plant) providers, EPC contractors, and regulatory bodies.
• Lead technical negotiations with vendors and ensure robust due diligence for equipment or contractor selection.
• Provide site‑based technical support, address site queries, and ensure construction aligns with approved designs, also strengthening the collaborative relationship between site and office‑based team members.
• Contribute to and develop the Engineering team’s capacity to support Mulilo’s overall business objectives, fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence.

Quality & Compliance

• Conduct root cause analyses, fault investigations, and troubleshooting to maintain high‑quality standards.
• Ensure compliance with grid codes (RETEC, Eskom standards, NERSA methodology) and applicable local and international regulations (SANS, IEC).
• Maintain thorough records of project‑related activities, from key correspondence to final design documentation.

Required skills and education background

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Electro‑Mechanical, or Mechatronic Engineering.
• 10+ years of experience in utility interconnection engineering and project execution.
• Demonstrated expertise in designing grid interconnection facilities, substations, transmission lines, and high‑voltage electrical infrastructure.
• Experience in wind, BESS, and solar PV renewable energy facilities would be beneficial.
• Familiarity with the entire EPC process (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction), including split contracts for High Voltage Systems and Balance of Plant.
• Experience working with Eskom Self Build procedures, standards, and acceptance criteria.
• Knowledgeable in RETEC Grid Code Compliance and interconnection studies.
• Proficiency in designing and analysing transmission, generation, and distribution of electrical power.
• Competency in industry‑specific design software (AutoCAD) and MS Office suite (Excel, Teams, SharePoint, PowerPoint, and Word).
• Strong understanding of Eskom, NERSA, SANS, IEC, and similar regulations used in South Africa.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; able to liaise effectively with contractors, advisors, and consultants.
• Proven ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously under time‑sensitive conditions.
• Strong problem‑solving abilities—both methodical and innovative.

Desirable attributes

The ideal candidate would have a passion for the Renewable Energy sector and personality traits would include a high level of diligence, determination, resilience, and agility. Mulilo is an employer of choice and is offering an extremely competitive total remuneration package for this position.

Additional Information

The position is based at the offices of the company, but travel may be required occasionally.

Able to work overtime according to operational needs.